Position Title: Lower/Middle School Visual Art Teacher (K-8)
Reports to: Head of School
Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt
Schedule: 10-Month Employee
THE GIRLS’ SCHOOL OF AUSTIN:
The Girls’ School of Austin is a private K-8 school of 150 students in the historic Tarrytown district of Austin. The GSA brings together a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on creativity, community building, collaboration, and problem solving. Classes in Spanish and the visual and performing arts enrich the strong academic program starting in Kindergarten. Significant use is made of the artistic and natural resources in Austin and the surrounding area.
JOB SUMMARY
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic artist who is also an experienced educator. The Visual Art teacher at the GSA will be committed to the ideals of the GSA and able to inspire in their students a love of learning and of art. The successful candidate will have the ability to teach the skills to create art, respond to art, and connect with art to children ages 5-14.
The Art curriculum at the Girls’ School of Austin is designed to develop and polish creativity and self-expression in our girls through a well-rounded study of art that includes history/context, mechanics, and application. Students are exposed to a wide variety of mediums and processes during the year, covering pastels, grey scale, acrylic on canvas, mixed media, sculpture and printmaking. The Art teacher encourages students to demonstrate their independence and creativity in their artwork. Technical instruction, taught as a discipline, includes classical lessons in drawing the human head and body, portraiture, shadow and light, composition, perspective, and color. Each trimester, students study art techniques and history
In addition, candidates will understand when and how to integrate social/emotional skill building, inquiry, technology use, and assessment into curriculum and pedagogy. The successful candidate will understand the value of working cooperatively and collaboratively with a community of other educators as well as have the ability to work independently. Flexibility and a commitment to your own learning are integral to success in this setting, as are a warm personality, a good sense of humor, and considerable patience.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.
Essential Functions and Key Objectives
Teach Lower School and Middle School Art classes.
Build a robust “wrap-around” Art program that is threaded throughout the classes, disciplines, and campus.
Develop units and lessons that are developmentally appropriate and are aligned with the mission and values of the school.
Sustain and support the art-based traditions that are integral to the GSA community.
Maintain a classroom culture and environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.
Provide regular and appropriate feedback on student work and in trimester reports.
Fulfill duties of supervising students before school and at lunch and recess.
Additional Expectations
Maintain mature and age-appropriate judgment and boundaries.
Develop and sustain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues.
Develop and sustain partnerships with parents that support each student's well-being, learning, and increasing autonomy.
Represent the school and what it stands for positively at public events, admissions events, community events, development events, etc., some of which take place outside of the regular school day and calendar.
Affirm and defend the dignity and worth of each member of the community and maintain an environment that fosters respect.
Follow safety protocols and accident & illness procedures.
Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Visual Art, a domain of art, or in Art Education.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Visual Art, a domain of art, or in Art Education.
Alternative educational journeys will also be considered.
Experience
at least 3-5 years’ experience in teaching Visual Art in an academic setting at the elementary/middle school level.
a commitment to one’s own identity and practice as an artist.
scaffolding of content and skills, including executive functions.
classroom organization and management.
multicultural curriculum design and pedagogy.
effective collaboration with colleagues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
appreciation and respect for young people as learners and people, through challenging and joyful moments alike;
passion about the mission and vision of the school;
demonstrated ability to prepare cohesive teaching units and daily lesson plans.
mastery of the subject area(s) being taught;
outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, and colleagues from diverse lived experiences and identities;
knowledge of best practices in multicultural curriculum and pedagogy;
ability to apply best practices for integrating technology into curriculum and pedagogy;
ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively;
flexibility;
a commitment to one’s own learning and professional development;
strong organizational skills;
technological proficiency.
We encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ candidates, or candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is generally performed in a standard school classroom environment.
Work full-time in person and maintain regular and predictable attendance
Ability to move throughout the campus during all weather conditions
Ability to lift as much as 50 pounds
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@thegirlsschool.org
